A COUNCILLOR who has slammed the Malvern Hills Trust board over its hotly debated plans for a private bill has now joined its ranks.

Cllr Paul Bennett, who is also the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Malvern Hills District Council, has become a nominated member of the trust's board of conservators. 

This comes as the trust looks to modernise its governance through a private parliamentary bill. 

Cllr Bennett, who was nominated by Malvern Hills District Council, has been a vocal critic of the trust's plans for the private bill in the past, raising concerns about the impact it could have on the hills in the future. 

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He told the Gazette he and fellow Liberal Democrat Councillors have  become aware of 'serious concerns' thousands of people living in Malvern have with the 'unprecedented' changes proposed in the new private bill. 

He added that, after attending many public meetings and workshops, he felt these fears have been confirmed. 

"This is very worrying and could potentially be a huge problem for future generations living in this wonderful area.

"Many people reading this pay an extra precept tax added to their council tax to fund the Malvern Hills Trust Trust and rightfully expect public accountability and oversight in exchange. 

"Until now, that principle has been secure but is now under threat. 

"We will be working with other parties, groups and members of the public to ensure that the Malvern Hills are as well protected into the future as the public expects them to be."

Trust chair John Michael said: “I wasn’t aware that this is the local Liberal Democrat Group position. 

"However, he has yet to have our full induction process so that he fully understands the role and responsibility of a trustee. 

"His prior views on the Trust and the proposed Parliamentary Bill are well-documented.

“I can’t speculate on what public meetings Paul Bennett has attended to inform his opinions. 

"We share the view that the 3,000 acres of the iconic Malvern Hills and Commons must remain open and unbuilt upon for the benefit of the public. 

"Like the public, we believe passionately that the future of the land in our care must be secure and that is why we are proposing these governance changes.

“As Chair of the Board, my door is always open to Councillor Paul Bennett and the Liberal Democrat Group to talk with them about any concerns they may have.”